Counter attack Ts and Cs

WHY USE IT

When a team kicks into space, the defending team needs to communicate and fan out so it can run back at spaces.

SET UP

Two tackle tubes and a ball.

HOW TO PLAY

EXERCISE

Put a player on one knee at each point of the ‘T’ shape of tackle tubes.

Roll a ball out and let the players chase back. The first player to get to the ball goes to ground to pick it up and gets to their feet as fast as possible. The two supporting players run supporting lines to attack back where they came from. Each player must handle the ball – then hand it back to the coach. Note: Don’t throw the ball too far away as this makes the game much more dynamic.

GAME SITUATION

Put three attackers in a line 10m apart in an area as wide as you wish. Start two defenders 15m behind them. You kick/throw the ball to start the game and all players chase at the same time. The nearest player goes to ground as support players communicate to them where the defence is coming from. As the player gets up, they make a pass to the unmarked player or keep the ball if the defenders move off them. The aim is to score a try where you kicked/threw the ball from.

COACHING POINTS

• Shout who is going for the ball.
• Communicate who is in position to take the next pass.
• Communicate where to run.